Teen sought in anti-Semitic graffiti case

A Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued for a teenager accused of spraying graffiti targeting the Jewish community in Calgary.

Several anti-Semitic slogans and signs were spray-painted on three Jewish centres, including a Holocaust memorial, and nearby property in the southwest in November 2009.

Warrants have been issued for the arrest of an 18-year-old man, but because the offences were committed when he was 17, he cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The warrants are for mischief to property, as well as hate-related charges of mischief to a place of religious worship motivated by hate, and inciting public hatred, said police on Wednesday.

'These charges send a very strong message that Calgary does not tolerate anti-Semitism or racism of any kind.' Adam Singer, Calgary Jewish Community Council

The documents were issued after an extensive investigation and consultation with the Crown prosecutors' office and the Alberta justice minister and attorney general, said police.

The Calgary Jewish Community Council praised the police for their diligence in pursuing justice in the case. The council's vice-president said he was pleased with the charges under the hate crime provisions of the Criminal Code.

"These charges send a very strong message that Calgary does not tolerate anti-Semitism or racism of any kind," said Adam Singer.

Surveillance video captured one person in the incidents but police said at the time that others could have also been involved.